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Tips for Having a Safe Holiday Party

by
BROOKE GOLD HASSON
| Dec 04, 2013

The holidays are a great time to invite some neighbors, friends, family, etc. over to share in good cheer. Maybe you’ll host a Secret Santa or share in some delicious potato pancakes, whatever your traditions may be this time of the year- many of us may be attending some sort of holiday party or throwing one ourselves. People’s Trust Insurance wants you to enjoy the holidays and stay safe. When you host guests at your home it’s your responsibility to make sure your guests are having a good time, but more importantly- that they are safe. Take these precautions and safety tips into consideration before and during your party to make sure everyone has fun and stays in the holiday spirit. Happy Holiday’s from People’s Trust!

Alcohol Precautions - Never serve alcohol to someone under the legal drinking age. Don’t rely on coffee as a way to sober up guests. Time is the only way someone can get sober. Plan activities like party games to keep people engaged making them less active in engaging in the consumption of alcohol. Make sure those that are drinking have a designated driver. Be prepared to have the number of a taxi service available for those that need a ride. If you can, offer those who have had too much to drink the sofa for the evening. Close the bar 90 minutes before the party ends and serve a great dessert treat with coffee. If you choose to provide alcohol, make sure you have plenty of food and non-alcoholic drinks available.

Designate a Driver - When attending a party, always designate a non-drinking driver. If you are the host of a holiday gathering, be sure there are non-alcoholic beverages available for guests who are driving. Call a cab for those who have been drinking and don’t have someone to drive them home safely.

The attendee’s - Be careful who you invite. If you invite good friends who are mature social drinkers, you shouldn’t have a problem throwing a safe and fun party. If you invite strangers or people who are not responsible around alcohol, you are opening the door for trouble. Noise complaints are a common reason why police are called to private parties, find out what the city noise ordinances are and follow the rules. Have a designated place for valuables such as jackets.

Decorations – Decorate only with flame-retardant or noncombustible materials. Avoid using candles during parties. If guests will be smoking, ask that they do so outside and provide them with large, deep ashtrays and check them frequently. After the party, check inside and under upholstery and in trash cans for cigarette butts that may be smoldering.

Beware of Holiday Candles – Our best tip is to avoid candles when you have guests in your home. But if you must- Be sure candles are kept away from decorations or other combustible materials. Don’t leave children unattended in a room with lit candles, and always keep candles, as well as matches and lighters, out of the reach of children. Never use candles to decorate Christmas trees. Avoid using candles during parties. Never display lighted candles in windows or near exits.

Food Precautions - Make sure you don’t leave food out that needs to be refrigerated. Use ice bowls to keep foods cold if you want to have them out.

Cords - When fun lighting and sound equipment are brought into a party, cords are inevitably an issue. When possible, tuck cords into the crevice between the carpet and the baseboards. This is safer (and aesthetically more pleasing) option than having cords sprawled across the floor. If this isn’t possible, cover the cables with brightly covered tape (“Hey! Step over me!”) or create a smooth walking surface using area rugs or runners When cords come from overhead, conceal them along doorframes and the ceiling using electrical tape.

Be a Vigilant Host - Keep an eye out for spills and clean them up immediately to prevent slipping. Clear broken glass from surfaces immediately. Provide a welcome mat for guests to wipe and dry their feet on a rainy day and be sure that all floor coverings remain flush to the ground during your event.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is not a complete list of every loss control measure. This information is not intended to replace manuals or instructions by a qualified professional. Nor is it intended to effect coverage under any policy. People’s Trust makes no guarantee of the results from use of this information. We assume no liability in connection with the information nor the suggestions made.

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